Boston Pride: City holds Pride Parade Saturday

BOSTON — Boston's annual Pride Parade is marking a seminal event in the LGBTQ rights movement: the Stonewall Riots of 1969.

Organizers say Saturday's theme of "Looking Back, Loving Forward " is meant to reflect the strides the gay community has made in the 50 years since the New York City demonstrations and to "acknowledge the struggles that still lie ahead."

The parade steps off at noon from Copley Square with more than 300 organizations expected to participate. It ends at City Hall Plaza, where there will be a festival and concert.

"American Idol" semifinalist and Broadway performer Todrick Hall is headlining. Singers Robin S. and Beth Sacks are also performing.

Saturday's events cap a week of celebrations that started with the raising of a rainbow flag at Boston City Hall May 31.

Advice for Visitors and Spectators
Pack appropriately. The Boston Pride Parade is a rain or shine event, so plan accordingly for the forecast weather conditions. Consider bringing sunscreen, plenty of bottled water, and an umbrella or raincoat.

Watch out for (your) kids. Make sure children are safe at all times. As the crowds grow along the route, it may become difficult to keep an eye on the little ones. Make sure you watch for large vehicles and floats and refrain from letting them run towards vehicles.

Respect the instructions from the Parade Staff and Volunteers. These individuals will be clearly distinguishable from the crowd. They are only doing their job and enforcing safety measures for the benefit of everyone.

Accessible viewing area!

We are happy to announce that Boston Pride will have a specially designated viewing area for individuals with reduced mobility and older adults at Cambridge and Tremont Streets. Seating will be limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Please email us at parade@bostonpride.org if you would like to reserve a seat.

Happening today

• 10:30 press conference at corner of Boylston and Clarendon Streets
• 11:45 a.m. Ribbon cutting with Mayor Walsh at the corner of Boylston and Clarendon Streets
• 12:00 p.m. Start at Copley Square
• Finish: City Hall Plaza
• 2.27 miles distance
• 431 registered marching groups/ contingents – This is a new record as there were 352 in 2018
• 54 floats
• 35 motorcycles
• 118 vehicles
• 55.5 percent of parade groups are nonprofit/grassroots organizations
• 44.5 percent are business groups

Associated Press